http://alwatandaily.kuwait.tt/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=101196&dt=Fri Jan 7 03:36:34 UTC+0300 2011

http://alwatandaily.kuwait.tt/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=101196&dt=Fri+Jan+7+03%3A36%3A34+UTC+0300+2011

Friday,07 January 2011
By : Jameel W. Karaki

KUWAIT: Minister of Oil and Information Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah congratulated Sudan during its 55th Independence Day celebrations at Crowne Plaza, describing bilateral relations between the two countries as distinguished and strong.

He stressed that the Conference on the Eastern Sudan was successful and hoped more infrastructure projects in the future would be implemented.
The celebration was also attended by Speaker of the National Assembly Jassem Al-Kharafi who congratulated President Omar Al-Bashir, the government and the citizens of Sudan and said the citizens are instrumental to the desired outcome for the stability of Sudan. In a visit to the southern capital of Juba, Al-Bashir reassured that he will respect Sunday's referendum on southern independence.

Sudanese Ambassador to Kuwait Ibrahim Mirghani expressed his pleasure at celebrating the national occasion with Kuwaiti leaders and congratulated the Kuwaiti people on the upcoming National Day and Liberation Day celebrations.

He added, "Since President Al-Bashir trusts His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, he asked the Amir to host the Conference and we are confident that the 48 projects adopted by the conference will be implemented."

Speaking on the referendum on the south, he noted that separation is expected to be the result of the referendum which is sad. He added, "However, through its history of 7000 years, Sudan has gone through periods of contraction and expansion."

He went on to say, "Once upon a time the Egyptian empire included Jordan, Egypt, Syria, Palestine and Lebanon. The expansion and contraction of empires and states is a phenomenon that occurs from time to time."

He further stated, "There must be cooperation for the sake of the people in the north and south of Sudan."
Responding to a question on fears for a new civil war, he said, "Al-Bashir's visit was an act of great courage since there is a strong possibility of separation." He added that Al-Bashir told the people of the south that since his objective is to be pious, he will take all possible measures for the south to develop and reach its potential.

He elaborated, "Many states have separated and reunified for instance West and East Germany. We aspire toward a united East Africa and a continent united with the Arab world. The world is heading towards unity as evident from the European Union."
When asked about his fears on the effects of insurgency in the south spreading to the north he said, "Anything is possible. There are 350 tribes speaking112 languages."

He added that that Sudan has received millions of migrants from the south and the government did not treat them as refugees but focused on their development.

On the situation in Darfur, Mirghani said, "The conflict calmed down a lot and now there is economic development. The Arab and Muslim countries have helped us a lot in the reconstruction of villages."